Buying Guide

Types of Evaporative Coolers

Window, roof-mounted, portable, or ducted? Each type has its sweet spot. Here's how to choose the right one for your situation.

Quick Comparison

Type	CFM Range	Cost	Installation	Best For
Window/Side-Draft	3,000-5,500	$300-800	DIY	Apartments, small homes
Roof-Mounted	4,500-6,500+	$1,500-3,500	Pro	Whole-house cooling
Portable	500-2,500	$100-500	None	Single rooms, renters
Ground/Side-Mount	4,500-6,500+	$1,200-2,800	Pro	Single-story, no roof access

Window / Side-Draft

Mounts in a window opening

Window coolers (also called side-draft or horizontal coolers) mount directly in a window frame, blowing cool air horizontally into the room. They're the most affordable and easiest to install, making them popular for apartments, mobile homes, and smaller spaces.

Pros

Affordable ($300-800)
DIY installation possible
No roof access needed
Easy to maintain
Good for renters

Cons

Blocks window view
Louder (closer to living space)
Limited CFM capacity
Cools 1-2 rooms effectively
Visible from outside

Best For:

Apartments, mobile homes, single rooms, homes under 1,200 sq ft, renters who can't modify the property, and homeowners wanting a low-cost entry into evaporative cooling.

Roof-Mounted

Downdraft through ceiling ducts

Roof-mounted (downdraft) coolers sit on your roof and push cool air down through ductwork into your home. This is the most common type for whole-house cooling in the Southwest. The unit is out of sight and sound, with cool air distributed evenly through ceiling vents.

Pros

Cools entire home evenly
Quieter inside (unit is on roof)
No blocked windows
Higher CFM capacity
Professional, integrated look

Cons

Higher cost ($1,500-3,500+)
Professional install required
Requires ductwork
Roof access needed for maintenance
Winterization more involved

Best For:

Homeowners with 1,200+ sq ft homes, those wanting whole-house cooling, new construction, and anyone prioritizing quiet operation and aesthetics over upfront cost.

Portable

Roll from room to room

Portable evaporative coolers (sometimes called "swamp cooler fans") are freestanding units on wheels that you fill with water manually. They require no installation and can be moved from room to room. Great for spot cooling, but limited in capacity compared to installed units.

Pros

No installation required
Very affordable ($100-500)
Move it where you need it
Great for renters
Use indoors or outdoors

Cons

Limited cooling power
Must refill water tank
Single room only
Can tip over
Less efficient than fixed units

Best For:

Renters, spot cooling in garages/workshops, outdoor patios, temporary cooling needs, supplementing existing A/C in hot spots, and anyone wanting to try evaporative cooling before committing to a permanent installation.

Ground/Side-Mount

Installed on exterior wall

Ground-mounted (or side-mount) coolers sit on a pad next to your home and blow air through a wall opening or short duct run. They offer whole-house cooling capacity without climbing on the roof. Popular for single-story homes and manufactured homes.

Pros

Easy maintenance access
No roof penetration
Whole-house capacity
Good for flat roofs
Easier winterization

Cons

Takes up yard space
More visible than roof units
Noise closer to living area
May need concrete pad
Ductwork still required

Best For:

Single-story homes, manufactured/mobile homes, homeowners uncomfortable with roof access, flat roofs that can't support a heavy unit, and anyone wanting easier maintenance access.

Which Type is Right for You?

Do you rent or own?

Rent: Portable or window units are best—no permanent modifications. Own: Any type works; consider long-term value of installed systems.

How big is your home?

Under 1,000 sq ft: Window unit is usually sufficient. 1,000-2,000 sq ft: Roof or ground-mount recommended. Over 2,000 sq ft: High-capacity roof unit or multiple units.

What's your budget?

Under $500: Portable or basic window unit. $500-1,500: Quality window unit or DIY ground-mount. $1,500+: Professional roof or ground-mount installation.

How important is noise?

Very sensitive: Roof-mount is quietest (unit is far from living space). Moderate: Ground-mount with proper placement. Not concerned: Window units are fine.

Total Cost Breakdown

The sticker price isn't everything. Here's what to expect for total installed cost:

Window Unit (DIY Install)

Unit $300-800

Mounting hardware $20-50

Water line kit $15-30

Total $335-880

Roof-Mount (Pro Install)

Unit $1,000-2,500

Ductwork/plenum $200-500

Installation labor $500-1,500

Total $1,700-4,500

Common Questions

Can I install a roof-mount cooler myself?

It's possible if you're handy and comfortable on roofs, but it's not recommended for most homeowners. The job requires cutting a roof opening, proper flashing to prevent leaks, electrical work, and plumbing connections. A bad install can cause roof leaks and void warranties. Most people save money long-term by hiring a pro to do it right the first time.

Do portable coolers actually work?

Yes, but with limitations. Portable coolers work best in small, well-ventilated spaces and dry climates. They won't cool a whole house, but they can drop temperatures 10-15°F in the immediate area. They're great for garages, workshops, patios, and spot-cooling rooms. Don't expect whole-house performance from a $200 portable unit.

Which type lasts longest?

With proper maintenance, roof-mount and ground-mount coolers typically last 15-25 years. Window units last 10-15 years. Portables have shorter lifespans (5-10 years) due to lower build quality. The key to longevity is annual maintenance: replacing pads, cleaning the reservoir, lubricating bearings, and proper winterization.

Can I add a roof-mount cooler if I have existing A/C ducts?

Generally, no—you shouldn't share ducts between evaporative cooling and A/C. Evap coolers add humidity to the air, which can cause mold problems in sealed A/C ducts. Most homes with both systems have separate duct runs. However, some hybrid systems are designed to use the same ducts with proper dampers—consult a local HVAC pro for your specific situation.